Comelec may not use PCOS after 2013 polls

MANILA — The poll body may not use the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines it bought from Smartmatic for P1.8 billion in the succeeding elections after the 2013 midterm polls, an official said Tuesday.
Esmeralda Ladra, director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Law Department, said the election technology will depend on the “incumbency who will decide on this.”
In Tuesday’s hearing of the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, Smartmatic said it would only provide warranty for its 80,000 PCOS machines for one year and support in parts and services for another 10 years.
“If it breaks down within one year, we will replace it or repair for free,” Smartmatic’s Marlon Garcia said.
Ladra said the Comelec will be using the PCOS machines they purchased for P1.8 billion from Smartmatic as long as these are “feasible for use.”
“I think for as long as we will be seeing that these machines are feasible for use, then we will continue to use these,” she told the committee.
Smartmatic, for its part, assured that the PCOS machines may last for 10 years or more.
“But, in 10 years, people might look at the PCOS as a dinosaur,” Garcia said referring to the rapid progress in technology.
The Venezuelan company also held a mock election during the House panel hearing where congressmen themselves voted using sample ballots with band names like Imago, Hotdog, and Greyhoundz.
House panel chairman Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said the mock polls was conducted to test the accuracy of the counting machines.
The PCOS supplier has previously held a similar demo in the Senate through the committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation chaired by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III.
Pimentel, who claimed he was cheated in the 2007 manual polls, said that he was not completely satisfied with the improved security features of the PCOS machines.
Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone, chairman of the House committee on public information, said that while he is convinced there is small room for manipulation and cheating, Comelec should be reminded to avoid the disenfranchisement of voters due to the clustering of precincts.
In the 2010 elections, at least 1,000 voters were assigned per clustered precinct. Only one PCOS machine was used per precinct.
“In our province, many were not able to vote. This is a nationwide problem. They should at least limit the number of voters to 500,” Evardone said.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2012/07/24/comelec-may-not-use-pcos-after-2013-polls-233825

Each year in February the Philippines hot air balloon festival returns to Clark Pampanga. Visitors planning to attend this popular event in Clark opt to stay in Clearwater Resort which is considered to be the best hotel in Clark Philippines. This hotel in Clark is also a favorite holiday destination near Manila during Holy Week, Easter, Christmas and New Year holidays also. This hotel in Clark is also one of the best resorts near Manila for families to relax, unwind and enjoy the outdoor facilities of this popular resort in Clark Philippines. Even during school breaks, families would take their children to enjoy the outdoor facilities of this popular resort in Pampanga which is located quite near to Manila.

Frequently visited resort hotel in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone shares news, articles, suggestions and ideas on matters that might enhance your visit to Subic and Clark Pampanga for vacation and travel, as well as to organize, plan or attend a corporate or social event near Manila.

Where to stay in Clark, Philippines?

Voted Best Hotel in Clark Pampanga, this beach resort is a semi-private establishment located in the central business district near shopping, business, entertainment, airport and other conveniences of Philippines Clark Freeport Zone. This 13 hectare lake beach resort near Manila Philippines is a place of leisure that is highly recommended for family tourists with children or couples and individuals hoping to relax and enjoy peace and quiet in a laidback American suburban lifestyle.

Adding to the charm and attractiveness of this resort hotel in Clark Philippines are certain unique factors including safety, a keen sense of security and privacy that the main zone of Clark Freeport Zone offers. Angeles Philippines, Subic or Manila cannot offer the same sense of security like Clark Philippines. Clearwater is one of the best hotels in Clark and the resort is a very popular venue for rest and relaxation especially for golfers after a round of golf at one of the best golf courses near Manila. Clark is home to some of the best golf courses in Pampanga.

Philippines Travel Guide just unveiled recommendations and tips for safe and secured destinations during Holy Week and Easter Holidays in Philippines, Pampanga, Angeles City, Subic and Clark. The report covers highly recommended resorts and hotels in North Luzon, nice getaway destinations for families with children to enjoy activities in the outdoor, secured, safe and convenient place for tourists to relax and unwind, luxurious restaurants offering privacy and good ambience, best clubs in Pampanga and resto bars in Angeles City, pubs in Clark and fine dining restaurants in Pampanga, frequently visited places as well as historical sites in Angeles City, Pampanga, Clark Philippines.

Clearwater is generally regarded as is a place of leisure and the best private resort in Pampanga. This Clark hotel is the most frequently visited private resort outside Manila for corporate planning and team building because of its exclusivity. Clearwater is well regarded among frequent visitors to Clark as one of the best resorts in Pampanga. This is also one of the best resorts in Pampanga that offers good picnic spots near Manila.

Pampanga is an important province of the Philippines slated to be the next business and tourism center of the country. Already international traffic prefers the Clark International Airport and tourists find Clark Freeport Zone easier to get around than Manila. Safety, low crime rate, no traffic and low pollution levels all contribute to making Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone a preferred destination for local and international tourists. Clearwater Resort is generally regarded as one of the best holiday spots near Manila.

For inquiries and bookings, Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort for inquiries and reservations now

Clearwater Resort and Country Club, Clark Pampanga
Creekside Road near Centennial Expo,
Clark Freeport, Pampanga Philippines 2023
(045) 889-5151 0917-520-4403 0922-870-5177
Joanne or Jeremy or Loydha

Getting to this lake and beach resort in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Philippines

After entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway MA Roxas, passing the stand-along wine shop called Clark Wine Center on the right, continue to bear right making no turns at all, go past Mimosa Leisure Estate on the opposite side of the road, one will hit a major intersection. Go straight and the road becomes Creekside Road. YATS Clearwater Resort and Country Club is on the right just 200m down.

Family Bonding by the famous lake of Clark Pampanga

http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay

Email: Inquiry@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort to reserve a venue for your upcoming event now

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com

While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.
http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

For jobs and business investment opportunities in the Philippines please visit http://www.yilp.com

Hot Line for what’s happening in Clark: 045 889-5151 or 0927-940-2669 ask for Loydha

0915-542-6250 (Jeramie)